My new toy: Back to high-end audio
My AI mini workstation from HP has seen some non-AI workloads this weekend. I installed Capture One for photo editing and a couple of software synthesizers. And realized along the way that while built-in speakers are nice, high-end audio is a lot better! :-)
For months, I have been listening to music on devices that are designed for speech: a pair of Jabra headphones and the speakers of my various laptops. There were many reasons for this, including peer pressure, and some hearing loss at a way too loud concert. I was also lazy to use my high-end devices and tried to persuade myself that audio equipment designed for meetings is good enough for music too. Well…
This weekend, I installed various software synthesizers on my new computer. Not that I learned music or could play any instruments, but I still enjoy experimenting with music (well, with noise, actually :-) ). As I connected the machine to the big screen in the living room, I also connected it to my HiFi system. Suddenly, I realized how much better it sounds than my laptop or anything I’ve listened to in the past few months.
While making noise with a couple of software synths and listening to music from my TIDAL subscription, I also recharged my Focal headphones. My Focal Bathys is not as good as my HiFi, but also has a wonderful sound regardless.
So I guess that after a few months long detour, I am back to using high-end audio gear whenever it is technically possible. I love the extra detail I can hear on my Heed Enigma speakers or on my Focal headphones. Of course, nothing can replace listening to live music at concerts, but high-end gear is much better at approximating the vibe of various live events than anything below it.
AI in a miniature box :-)
This blog is part of a longer series about my adventures with my new machine and AI. You can reach me to discuss this blog on one of the contacts listed in the upper right corner. You can read the rest of the blogs under the toy tag.